Library patrons can check out a new book that takes readers on a poetic journey through the carving of a totem pole by a renowned First Nation artist Art Harry. The book is called “A Transformation of Spirits”, a large-format coffee table book, a visual and poetic journey through the carving of a totem pole.
The photography by Anita Bonnarens follows Squamish Nation artist See Appl-tun (Art Harry), who mentors nine young people in the art and spirit of carving this red cedar pole. Their finished work now stands as a welcoming figure in front of Foundry Sea to Sky, the youth mental health care clinic and inclusive recreation hub operated by Sea to Sky Community Services.
Foundry Sea to Sky offers free, confidential, nonjudgmental support for youth aged 12 – 24 in Squamish and recently celebrated one year of service. Its services include mental health and substance use counselling, peer support, and social services in a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space.
The Squamish Public Library’s meeting room was at capacity on the evening of Wednesday, March 13th, when See Appl-tun, his family, many supportive Squamish Nation elders, Sea to Sky Community Services staff and members of the public gathered to celebrate the dedication of this book into the collection.
It felt like a family event as, one after another, Squamish Nation members stood to offer their good wishes, proud feelings, and gratitude to See Appl-tun for all of this good work. Local poet Yin Xzi Ho read a poem she wrote for Foundry, and Canon Donald Lawton of the Men’s Shed spoke of the experience of supporting the project by providing tools and knowledge.
Instead of offering words, Nation member Roxy Lewis felt the call to sing and drum and offered the Victory Song to honour the work.
See Appl-tun spoke about his gratitude for the continued involvement of the youth in this work and how glad he is to see some of the participants showing up for the annual Youth Canoe Pull. The canoe pull is an event for youth aged 12-24 that takes place at Alice Lake every year on the morning of September 30, a day to understand the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work.
Darren Roberts of Racer Creative shared two videos he had made for SSCS about the TRC Day Canoe Pull: one featuring the event itself and another showing an interview with local residential School survivor Bob Baker. The videos are available to watch at Sea to Sky Community Services’ YouTube.
